TAWAU — Sabah Customs has arrested five men and seized contraband worth RM1.3 million in three separate raids across Tawau, Semporna, and Sepanggar Port last month. On January 18, Customs intercepted 8,100 cartons of alcoholic beverages worth RM1.23 million, including taxes, at Sepanggar Port. The goods, imported without permits, were hidden in three containers. The unpaid tax on these items amounted to RM994,612.62. Earlier, on January 17, raids in Tawau and Semporna led to the seizure of over 70,000 cigarettes worth RM73,346.20, including taxes. The smuggling tactics involved false declarations, hiding goods in concealed locations, and using unregistered vehicles to evade detection. All cases are under investigation according to the Customs Act 1967.